Evolution of Mankind - Through the Incarnations of Vishnu

There are many stories of how the evolution of mankind has happened. Most evolutionary debate is centered around philosophy, society, science, and religion. Why can't the idea of evolution be scientific and religious?

There are said to be ten incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu. They all come to earth to restore order when we get too carried away. Nine have already appeared and the tenth is coming in the future.

The first incarnation of Vishnu was Matsya. Matsya was a fish and symbolizes the the forming of protoplasm and vertebrates. The Bhagavata Purana states, "Long ago, when life first appeared on the earth, a terrible demon terrorized the earth. He prevented sages from performing their rituals and stole the Holy Vedas, taking refuge in a conch shell in the depths of the ocean. Brahma, the creator of the world approached Vishnu for help and the latter immediately assumed the form of a fish and plunged into the ocean. He killed the demon by ripping open his stomach and retrieved the Vedas. Four forms emerged from the demon's stomach representing the four Vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, and Yajur Veda."

The second incarnation of Vishnu was Kurma. Kurma was a tortoise and symbolizes the forming of amphibians. The story goes on, a great flood took place during the time of Matsya and asuras threatened to take over the world. The devas were scared and prayed to Brahma to churn the water. The asuras managed to create a temporary truce with their enemies, so everyone could help to churn the water.

The Mandara mountain was going to placed into the water with the snake Vasuki wrapped around it. If each side of the snake was pulled the mountain would cause the water to churn. Once the mountain was placed into the water it began to sink. Vishnu came to the rescue by incarnating as Kurma, the tortoise, to hold the mountain up. As the water churned, a deadly poison emerged and almost suffocated everyone. Shiva quickly drank the poison, but Parvati stopped it in his throat causing it to turn blue. After that many things emerged like a wishing tree, nymphs, a divine horse and cow, the mount of Indra, and Lakshmi.

The third incarnation of Vishnu was Varaha. Varaha was a bore and symbolizes the existence of mammals. The Earth was taken to the bottom of the cosmic ocean, by Hiranyaksha, and rescued by Varaha. Varaha carried the Earth out of the ocean between his tusks and restored it.

The fourth incarnation of Vishnu was Narasimha. Narasimha was half man and half lion. This symbolizes the development of fingers and toes on animal forms like apes. The sub-human form has been created here.

The fifth incarnation of Vishnu was Vamana. Vamana was a dwarf and symbolizes an "incomplete man." This is the first full human form of an avatar.Vamana came to restore the authority, back to Indra, over the heavens. The demon king Bali promised Vamana three steps of land, but Vamana suddenly grew so large that Bali couldn't complete three steps. King Bali had to offer his head as the third step.

The sixth incarnation of Vishnu was Parashurama. Parashurama was a rama-with-an axe. The axe symbolizes the stone age and the start of the use of metal.

The seventh incarnation of Vishnu was Rama. Rama symbolizes society. The ability to live in cities, have laws, and many other things.

The eighth incarnation of Vishnu was Krishna. Krishna symbolizes the development of the sciences. He is the "one who knows the sixty-four arts.

The ninth incarnation of Vishnu was Buddha. Buddha adds to the scientific and adds intellect. Now we can begin to study ourselves as well as nature.

The tenth incarnation of Vishnu will be Kalki. Kalki will restore our morals. If we look at the state we're in now, one can hardly argue that we're in need of some help. Keep your eyes open for a man on a white horse!

This is the long and mythical version of the story of evolution. Minus the religion and you're left with science, or fact. We started out as a simple organism and developed into what we are today. It doesn't matter what words you choose to substitute in this story it all plays out the same.